IJBPAS, April, 2015, 4(4): 2118-2127
ISSN: 2277–4998
EBN- E- BITAR AND HERB- PHARMACOLOGY
REZVAN YAZDANI*
*
Doctoral student in Theology, Islamic Azad University of Tehran, Science and
Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
ABSTRACT
The blossom of the knowledge of Moslems' pharmacology started in Angeles in the
middle of the third century Hijra. A few big a cadmic personalities appeared in the
area of science in Angeles who had the purpose of studying plants precisely from
different points of view. They had the goals of plant's exploitation for making drugs,
agricultural and gardening drugs and made some progress in the independence of
pharmacology in Andeles. In this field, works of authors such as Ebn-e- vafed, Ebn-eJaljal, Aboalhojaj Ashbily, Ebnalroomiyeh, Ghafeghi, and Ebn-e-Bitar are highly
noticeable. The purpose of this research is to introduce the most popular Muslim
pharmacologists in Andeles and the world of Islam such as Zia aldin Aboo
Mohammad Abdollah en Ahmadlamaleghi known as Ebne Bitar (593-654 luner). It is
the purpose of this research to analyze the achievement of this scientist who
discovered hundreds of herbal plants and put Persian, Barbari, Arabic, Greek and
Andelesi names on them. We will also critique the past pharmaceutical, recognition of
plants based on experimental tests, field researches observations and also reaching a
conclusion in regards to the single subject of drug in the Science of pharmacology and
the big share that it has had in the revival and progress of the knowledge.
Keywords: Drugs, Ebn-e- Bitar, Plant, Pharmacology, Andeles
INTRODUCTION
The subject of drug and medical things
old practice of medicine. There fore, the
have been in the center of attention
authors of medical works have dedicated
because
and
a segment of their works to this
application in the treatment of illnesses
discussion [2]. Although this subject has
[1]. It has also had a special status in the
been discussed in general by Andeles
of
its
importance
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Rezvan Yazdani
Research Article
physicians while discussing other issues.
of the scientists in this field was Ebn-e-
this is while Andeles physicians had
Bitar [5]. In this article, we are making
different methods which was the same
an attempt to introduce the academic
scientific and research views about
status of Ebn-e- Bitar and his academic
drugs. This approach had huge impact
achievements in this field.
on the growth and blossoming of plant –
Ebn-e- Bitar;s academic Status
pharmacology and resulted in the herbal
Ziaddin
medicine reach independence in the fifth
Bitaralmaleghi known as Ebn-e-Bitar is
century [3].
a well- known scholar from Andeles in
Many
medicine
Mohammad
have
the seventh century Hijra (646) who left
blossoming of this
behind a very rich cultural inheritance.
branch of knowledge as a result of
He had done very profound studies in
Islamic
herbal
the field of herbal medicine. He was a
medicine scientists. This lead into the
first scholar who discussed peculiarities
idea
work
of all plant and he left behind as a
independently and specializing in this
memorandum an encyclopedia which
broach of knowledge. This approach
was published in the east and the west.
helped the appearance of big scientists
In the last three decades, a group of
who helped the world tremendously.
orientalist have conducted wide- spread
One of these scientists who left fantastic
researches about Ebn-e- Bitar;s works
works behind because of his academic
and have discussed his importance and
influence was zahravi (329), Ghafeghi
his status in the area of herbal sciences.
(467L.), Ebn-e- Rommiyeh (632 L.) and
They
Ebn-e- Bitar [4].
almofradat and his innovations in the
We can probably say one of the most
field of pharmology and have praised his
outstanding physicians in Andeles who
status in the history. Those who have
focused
and
admired him are researches such as
succeeded to discover and introduce
Lousian Leclark [6], Max Meier Hof
hundreds of herbal medicine, to write
[7] Roska
numerous books, to critique the books of
[9], Sayed Hossein Nasr
his predecessors about the science of
Takriti. Lousian Leclark, for example,
herbal medicine and make it reach the
who was a French physician in the lath
highest points in the world of Islam. One
century (1877 M) has called Ebn-e-
considered the
historians
Aboo
rulers'
of
support
many
on
of
scientists
herbal
medicine
have
admired
his
Jam-
e-
[8], Ebrahim ebne Morad
[10], Abbas
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Bitar the greatest eastern herbalist in the
Describing
world.
Disghoridos is one of the most Ebn-e-
He can be compared with only four
Bitar's valuable academic works. By
other scientists in the field of herbal
describing this book and giving his
medicine and they are Aboalabbas
academic and critical views, he shows
Annabi [11], Sharif Edriysi, Rashid-e-
the write method of doing research to
bn Soori and Aboaljafar- ebne Ghazal
the next generation of researchers and
[12].
by doing so, he reached a status that no
In Quiro, Ebn-e-Bita was respected
other
highly
Additionally, in recognition of plant and
by Malek kamel Ayoobi and at his order
explanation of disghoridos and Jalinoos'
he was selected as the head of Egypt's
writings, he was so academically precise
herbalists [13]. He took advantage of
that surprised everyone. Therefore, we
this
great
can say that he was a modern herbalist
scientists from all over the w orld to
in his own era because by precise
Quiro.
for
recognition of all kinds of plant and
discussion and spreading sciences in this
their peculiarities, he set the foundations
field. By doing so, he expanded the
for one of the most valuable methods of
cultural – academic fields and revivied
researches in physiology [15].
Islamic –
by
Additionally, he paid attention to Ebn-e-
supporting the scientists he played a role
Bitar's Aljame Almofradat and called it,
in the existence of pharmacology during
the masterpiece of the school of
Ayoobian period. His academic status in
pharmacology / herbal – Islamic and had
Ayobians' count after becoming the
considered it the debtor of all the works
manager of pharmacist made other
written after than. Lekirk translated this
scholars in the same field jealous of him.
book in the nineteenth century (1877 m)
For example, Tanavokhi in a book
in French in three volumes in France.
called, Alashraf Fi Sanao Aldiaregh
There is only one hand – written copy of
Almonghazi Alsharifa Men Altalaf has
this book in Tunis; bookstore [16].
written, some scholars such as Ebn-e-
Rooska has also found out about the
Bitar become very proud
[14]. Of
importantance of Aljame Almofradat
course, these kinds of accusations never
book in the progress of the science of
diminished the Bitar;s academic status.
physiology and has considered it as the
opportunity and
invited
And opened the door
Arabic
culture and
the
herbalist
book,
Hashayesh
had
attained.
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most complete work about this single
him belonged to Ebn-e-Abi Asibehe
drug [17].
who was with him in most of Ebn-e-
Another important work of Ebn-e-Bitar
Bitar's scientific trips. There are also
which was important for botanical
researches of scholars such as Leclark
scientists
and Ben Morad [21].
was
Moghani
feladviyeh
Almofread. This book was classified in
All these people looked into these
chapters and became a part of excellent
accusations, Studied them in detail and
academis
acquitted him of all these charges.
books
[18].
Scientific
researches in pharmacology by Ebn-e-
Ebn-e- Bitar's compiling Method
Bitar has had important and applicable
There are many works in the medicine
role for the future generation and his
and pharmacology areas left behind.
academic goals became the field of
Some of these works are about his skills
experimental examinations based on
in medicine due to his tough and long
academic trips. In his opinion, no
researches in countries such as Greece,
knowledge is exclusive and all sciences
Andeles, Morocco and Asia Minor. In
need one another for development.
his researches, Ebn-e- Bitar has trusted
Some researchers have accused him of
on credible resources and more than 150
academic and literary plagiarism. Max
authors and often times has assessed
Meijer
Critical
previous pharmacists. He has assessed
researcher has repeatedly accused Ebn-
scholars such scholars such as Hanin-
e-Bitar of getting the rough draft of
ebn-e- Eshagh
Jammeol
some
Ac), Aboobakr- ebne Zakaria Razi,
information in it and publishing or
Aboo Jafar Ahmadebne Ghafeghi [23].
distributing it in his name. the strongest
Since
argument to acquit him of the accusation
pharmacologist, Ebn-e- Bitar's works
was his researches and innovations such
show the great ability and knowledge he
as adding 300 new drugs that were not
had in recognition of herbal medicine
known before [19]. For example, Arjan
and accurate distinction of different
meaning perfume, a tree having sugar
kinds of drugs- For example he has
flower, Zalm a plant without any seeds
accurately described the similarities and
and blossoms whose roots are in the
difference
ground and has sweet and energetic
''Alazkhar'' and ''Alasl'' while Razi and
seeds [20]. Another testimony to acquit
Ebn- e – Sinna were confused between
Hof,
the
German
Mofardat,
adding
these
[22] (260 Hijra / 873
scholars
between
were
two
top
plants
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the two. There were plants such as
In field of pharmacology including
''Lootoos Bostani'' and Beshnin'' That
Greek scholars such as Disghoridos,
Hanin Ebne Eshagh and other herbal
Jalinoos and eastern pharmacists such as
authors were confused about, but Ebn-e-
Zakaria Razi and Ebn- e- Sinna. In this
bitar made the distinction between them
book, he has described 1400 drugs,
[24].
mineral, herbal and animal foods in an
Ebn- e- Bita complied some of his
alphabetical order. This book can be
works such as Almoghani Feladviye
compared with Ebn-e- Sinna's book
Almofrade and Mizan Altabib as a
named Ghanoon which includes 800
subject matter and some others such as
items of herbal medicine
Aljamee Almofradat and analysis of
book has 2353 herbal drugs, 1422 pure
Disghoridos alphabetical. He wrote all
herbal medicine, 921 commentaries and
of his works in the east and depended on
herbal synonys and 300 new herbal
Greek sources and sometimes eastern
medicine. In this book, he has precisely
physicians such as Ebn-e- Sinna and
described these herbal plants and their
also his own notes [25]. His books that
synonyms in languages such as African,
have been proven to be accurate, are a
Persian, Barbari and Spanish. One of the
total number of seven
innovations of the outhor in this book is
[26]. These
the
names
of
[28]. This
works can be analyzed frome two
citing
new
plants
dimensional points of view.
independently and giving samples for
1. Plant – Single pharmacology
those which were known before. For
2. A.
Almofradat
example, ''Safira'' is a dry plant. Similar
Valadeviyeh Valaghziyeh: this is
kinds such as ''Alghonob Alhendi'' is a
one of the most important works
plant coming in three kinds, cold in
in Islamic pharmacology and an
nature, Bahari and Hendi (warm in
important source of botanical
nature) and also similar to ''Lelbish''
which was written during the last
which is a plant that is used for making
years of Ebn-e- Bitar's life [27].
poison. He has mentioned all kinds of
The author's intention of writing
different plant in a scientific method
this book was to say the last
[29].
world in herbal medicine, as
This book since its publication has had a
mentioned
very high status among physicians,
Aljame'
in
introduction.
the
book's
pharmacists and scholars and some of
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Research Article
them have made a reference to it,
[33]. Therefore, he translated all the
summarized or even used it in their own
non-
books. One of these authors is Tabib
Disghoridos articles and eliminated all
yamani Yousef ebn-e- Rasool Ghassani
the ambiguities. To do so, he practiced a
(694 Hijra= 1294 Ad) who has referred
few methods: 1- precise understanding
to Ebn-e- Bitar in his book called
of
''Almotamed Fie Adviyeh almofradeh''
Disghoridos. Ebn- e- Abi Assibe states
(Bierut, 1975 AD). Ebn- e- Manzoor is
that
another scholar who has condensed
understanding of Disghoridos was so
Bitar's book) 711 Hijra= 1311 AD) and
much that nobody until then had reach
Haji khalifeh [30] who has mentioned a
such an accomplishment [34]. 2. About
selection of his book in kashf al zonoon
his outstanding skills in the recognition
[31].
of plants, Ebn-e-Assibe syas, ''He was
Aljameh which is hand- written has had
the only scientist of his time skillful in
a big influence on the east's Islamic and
the
non-
application, and their
Islamic
pharmacology.
Many
Arabic
the
subjects
Bitar's
recognition
terminologies
of
articles
recognition
of
plants,
in
by
and
their
specifications
authors have used this book after the
based on their type [35] (4) because none
seventh century [32].
of the previous drugs scholars and
2. Interpretation of Diasghoridos: Ebn-e-
authors pa any attention to the native
Bitar explains his motivation and goal in
terminologies. However, Ebn-e- Bitar
this book this way: ''when I studied
because of his academic trips around the
Diasghoridos (Book) and noticed the
world was fluent in dialects of different
negligence of many herbalists who did
countries [36]. ''The importance of the
not mention the names of many plant /
book is in the fact that when the author
herbs for the herbalists and did not
was using Greek terminologies, he
translate them in Arabic, I decided to
mentioned the equivalent ones in Latin
bring
big
and Bardari too and Came up with a
pharmacists and write information in
bilingual book in (Greek and Arabic)
regards to the interpretation of the
[37].i . Therefore, this is a precious
names of drugs to make their thoughts
heritage for linguists [38].
clear because of not translating some of
2.
the non- Arabic terminologies, this book
pharmacology
together
the
views
of
Combination
of
plant
–
was like the moon hidden in the clouds
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A. Fi Tadavi Alsomoon article: This
the writer's name and the way to
book belongs to Ebn-e-Bitar, but Ebn-e-
expressing it for next scientists.
Abi Assibe does not mention it.
E. This work that is written based on a
B-Al Ebane va Al Elam Bema Fi
request by SHAHAB AMAD IN EISA
Menhaj Men Alkhelal val oham: As you
is about the ways to cure diseases. He
can see by the title, the author has
has written it in eight chapters and in
written this book with the goal in mind
each chapter , introduces suitable drugs
to eliminate ambiguities and awareness
for treating each body organ. A copy of
of correct methods and prevention of
this book is available in Sweden
ii
mistakes about drugs [39]. . This book
ABSALAI University.
has been written in alphabetical order
Ibn e Bitar innovations in plant –
and includes one hundred and thirty one
Pharmacology
subjects
about
Ibn e Bitar compared to Muslim doctors
vegetables and herbal plants. Ibn e Bitar
before him, was more accurate. And
in this book, recognizes two faults of
relying on objective and empirical
previous Pharmacologists and explains
observations, left most of his scientific
them in two parts: 1. Distortion of
achievements.
Medical terminology and its application
innovations based on scientific scrutiny
in a different way 2. Wrongs in herbal
that they can be classified in three
medicinal properties
categories:
C. Strange works and strange properties:
A. Understanding the characteristics of
this effect that has treated diseases is the
the
only work of Ibn e Bitar that is not
Bitar
available right now.
properties of each drug and its effects on
D. The writer in this book in comparison
the body as well. And to prove his claim
with JAME AL MOFRADAT is not
he has mentioned to several reasons:
concerned
and
1. To ensure the purity of the drug it
taxonomy of herbs and tries to prescribe
should be tested, because the essence of
a drug that fits to the body organs. He
medicine is in its purity. For example,
has organized this book alphabetically
when we add salt to hot water, since the
and tries to transfer contemporary and
reaction is heated, when cooled, returns
previous scholars' information about
to
Advieh Mofradeh with mentioning to
2. In case of testing a drug on the body
and
it
with
is
mostly
specifications
He
has
a
lot
of
drug
has
had
its
knowledge
about
essence.
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Rezvan Yazdani
Research Article
of a temperate man, if he responds to
The principles and rules in his three
heat, cold or fatigue, this special feature
works
is
1. In the first book in which with
related
to
that
drug.
are
briefly
3. The diseases is essence for ever and
scientific
symptoms such as fever, sweats and
DIOSGHORIDOS book. So that it was
other symptoms. if a drug is tested warm
considered to be an important reference
and symptoms of heat occur in the body
for physicians [42].
, indicates that the patient has bile
2. In this book he introduces plants'
phlegm
heat.
benefits and identifies the components
4. Sometimes medical properties of a
of each of them. In a cognitive way and
plant depending on the disease, shows
by regarding to the properties of drugs
various symptoms. In other words, if a
and their impact he has introduced them
drug is hot , it may be harmful for a
in a scientific and accurate manner. And
patient who has a cold nature. So be
with scrutinize mentions to the errors of
careful of the type of a medicinal plant
previous authors. Thus it can be seen as
which is cold or warm.
the best book of him in treatment of
5. The duration of effect on the patient's
diseases [43].
body should be considered, because
3. The recognition of the diseases,
some herbal medicines have two effects:
symptoms and causes of the diseases,
the effect on the disease, and another
that introduces any part of the body.
one :disease symptoms. It means that it
And appropriate treatment of diseases is
is possible that the effect of the drug
associated with organic herbal drugs
would be on one of them earlier [40].
tailored to each organ. In addition, he
B. Defection from Sumerian medicine
explains about
Another innovation of Ibn e Birtar is
medicines, minerals in surgery [44].
describing the plant in a scientific
C. Trusteeship of Ibn e Bitar Ibn e
method, understanding the rules of
Bitar
composition, and realize the benefits of
In accordance with the principles and
medical plants. With these initiatives
rules which he has created specifies
obsolete those Sumerian traditions that
specific methods and new versions of
were common among Arab physicians
medicines.
to write medical textbooks. And other
pharmacology principles and critique
rules and principles were invented [41].
previous works, the scientific integrity
and
has
method
stated:
He
explains
the use of herbal
gathered
earlier
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IJBPAS, April, 2015, 4(4)
Rezvan Yazdani
Research Article
of the degree of perfection has, for
Bitar
example, in universities word "MC" is
Pharmacology is that he mentions to a
defined as: "Based on Dyasqvrydvs
new procedure in this way and studies
There are three types of chamomile. The
pharmacology and
difference in color is their horns. This
independently and studies it as a main
kind of plant called "Balkrakas" can be
part of medical science. This approach is
found in Egypt. Andalusian people
based on extensive research studies of
called it "Balmqarh" as such term is
the present era and previous times. He
Latin, and African people known as
believes that pharmacology is not an
"Alaqhvan" means "chicken feet". Galen
exclusive science. And to maintain the
considered in this paper is that these
vitality and dynamism of the extensive
plants close third Mufradah spice jar
and in-depth studies in diverse fields,
shaped like flowers and heating oil. It is
admit mistakes and attempt to resolve
in sleep medicine. Abu'l Albabvnq
the error till new discoveries are to be
(Balqaf) the specific name for a perfume
achieved.
of Babvnj knows. Avicenna also a kind
Although Ibn e Bitar is a narrator in
of warm and dry, and it is known to
most of his works but by studying
harm the fetus, kelp is known as the old,
Predecessors and contemporaries about
the young, according to Galen plant,
botanical medicine in particular has a
power collectors and mild. Dysqvydvs
view of the criticism. The number of
also suggests that the plant collector and
resources that he uses in ALJAMEH
is
[45].
book to be 150. In books such as
According to Maimonides force and its
ALJAMAH and ALTAFSIR Ibn e Bitar
strength varies depending on the type of
observed DISGHORIDOOS innovations
roots. Damascene Jesus says if you mix
to be able to describe plant science,
with water and let stand the pain acts as
interests, properties, and knowledge of
housing. Razi says it will stop vomiting
the names till remains nothing unclear to
and stomach boost. Ibn Sina says aroma
the reader.
of this plant is good for the soul essence.
REFERENCES
useful
for
uterine
pains
thoughts
about
herbal
Herb-
Mofradat
"These are a few examples of the ways
[1] Biruni,68.
to be trustful by a scientist [46].
[2] Al Havi,1/23.Ghanoon,1/50.
CONCLUSION
[3] Ghazi Saad,237.
The most important result from Ib e
[4] Al Teb V Ateba,1/13.
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IJBPAS, April, 2015, 4(4)
Rezvan Yazdani
Research Article
[5] Ebne Abi Osaeibae,8.
[32] Ensycolopedya of Islamic, 3/143.
[6] Histoire de la medicine Arabe,230.
[33] Interpretation of Diasghoridos,74.
[7] Jamal al mofradat,40.
[34] A’yoon Al Anba’,128.
[8] Ensycolopedya of Islamic,1/78.
[35] A’yoon Al Anba’, 128.
[9] Tafsir Discoridos,50.
[36] Interpretation of Diasghoridos,88.
[10] Alm dar Islam,195.
[37] Interpretation of Diasghoridos,31.
[11] Tarikh Aloom Anal Arab,450.
[38] There is only one hand – written
[12] Histoire
de
la
medicine
Arabe,II/235.
copy of this book in Vataniyeh
library
in
Paris
and
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was
[13] Drasat Torasiyah,45.
published by Ebrahim ben Morad
[14] Abol Fotooh Al Tavnesi.56.
in
[15] Ebne Abi Osaybaae, 130.
Beirut.45.
Daralmaghreb
Hleslami
in
Kashf
Al
[39] Brokelman,3/487,
[16] Lousian Leclark,114.
[17] Ensycolopedya of Islam, 1/123.
Zenoon,2/1772.
[18] Kashfo Al Zenoon,1/256.
[40] Jama’l Mofradat,5-56.
[19] Montakhab Jama Al Mofradah,78.
[41] Ebne
Abi
Osyba’h,
131,
Interpretation of Diasghoridos,19.
[20] Jama Al mofradat,35.
[21] Ebne Abi Osaybaae, 130.
[42] Interpretation of Diasghoridos,31.
[22] Jama Al Mofradat, 38.
[43] Jama’ Al Mofradat,4-27.
[23] That Same.19.
[44] Ebrahim Ben Morad,305.
[24] Jama Al mofradat,16-140.
[45] Jama’a Al Mofradat,101.
[25] Ebne Abi Osybaaeh, 40.
[46] That Same, 104.
[26] That Same,130.
[27] That Same,131.
[28] Ensycolopedya of Islam,3/146.
[29] amao Al Mofradat, 1/15.
[30] Kashfo Al Zenoon, 2/1722.
[31] ''Detiz''
a
German
orientalist
published this book in 1883. this
book was published in 4 parts in
Quiro, but the most important
translation is the one translated by
Lusian Le kirk which was referred
to before. Ben Morad 473.
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